Cohort PLC (AIM:CHRT) shares rose 15% to a new all-time high on Wednesday after the defence technology group reported record annual results and signalled that earnings for the year ahead are likely to exceed expectations.
For the 12 months to 30 April 2025, the group posted revenue of £270 million, up 33% on the previous year, with adjusted operating profit rising 30% to £27.5 million.
The order book also hit a record £616.4 million, giving strong visibility well into the 2030s.
Cohort, which supplies electronic systems and defence support services, said underlying order intake rose 11% when excluding a one-off Royal Navy contract signed last year. It also announced a 10% rise in the annual dividend.
The company highlighted growing demand for defence technology, a strong pipeline of new opportunities, and a positive contribution from EM Solutions, the Australian firm it acquired in January.
Management now expects adjusted earnings per share for 2025/26 to beat previous guidance.
The shares rose 236.6p to 1,776.6p.